U.S. Authorities Shut Down 350+ Websites Selling Illegal Gun Parts from China

U.S. federal authorities have taken decisive action against the illegal online trade of firearm components, seizing more than 350 websites that were selling gun silencers and machine gun conversion devices imported from China. This operation, which commenced in August 2023, marks a significant effort to combat the proliferation of illegal firearms and accessories in the United States.

The investigation, led by federal prosecutors in Boston, involved undercover purchases from these websites. Law enforcement officials discovered that the shipments from China were deliberately mislabeled, often described as containing innocuous items such as "necklaces" or "toys." In reality, these packages contained prohibited items under the National Firearms Act, including machine gun conversion devices known as "switches" and silencers.

The National Firearms Act, enacted in 1934, regulates certain firearms and accessories, highlighting the longstanding efforts to control dangerous weapons in the U.S. Machine gun conversion devices, or "auto sears," have been illegal in the country since 1986, underscoring the severity of this operation.

Many of the seized websites were found to be selling counterfeit goods and misusing the trademark of Glock Inc., a renowned firearms manufacturer founded in 1963 by Gaston Glock in Austria. These sites falsely suggested that the switches were produced by Glock, further complicating the illegal nature of their operations.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy in Massachusetts emphasized the importance of this operation, stating:

"The seizure of these domains is a critical step in disrupting the flow of dangerous contraband that threatens public safety."

The investigation has yielded significant results beyond website seizures. Ketty Larco-Ward, inspector in charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service's Boston Division, reported the confiscation of over 700 machine gun conversion devices, 87 illegal suppressors, 59 handguns, and 46 long guns. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, founded in 1775, is one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the country and plays a crucial role in intercepting illegal shipments.

This operation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by U.S. authorities in combating illegal firearms trade. With China being the world's largest exporter of goods, valued at $3.59 trillion in 2023, the influx of illegal components poses a significant threat. The rise of e-commerce, which accounted for 20.8% of total U.S. retail sales in 2023, has further complicated enforcement efforts.

The seizure of these websites is part of a broader strategy to address the increasing availability of illegal firearm modifications. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), established in 1972, has been at the forefront of these efforts. The emergence of 3D printing technology and dark web marketplaces has added new dimensions to this challenge, requiring innovative approaches from law enforcement agencies.

As the country with the highest civilian gun ownership rate globally, approximately 120.5 firearms per 100 residents, the United States faces unique challenges in regulating firearms. The Department of Justice reported a 55% increase in ghost gun recoveries between 2021 and 2023, indicating a growing concern for law enforcement.

This operation serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to maintain public safety and the complex nature of international arms trafficking, estimated to be worth over $20 billion annually. As authorities continue to adapt to evolving threats, the collaboration between various agencies remains crucial in addressing the illegal firearms trade.